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Wednesday, February 8, 2023

FOREVER LOVING AND FAITHFUL- Psalm 89, 2 Samuel 7:16-18, Isaiah 48:12-13

 



The title of this psalm is “A Contemplation of Ethan the Ezrahite”. There are several men named Ethan in the Hebrew Scriptures, but this man is mentioned specifically in 1 Kings 4:31 as someone who was famous for his wisdom. This means he was likely a contemporary of Solomon and was also alive during the reign of David. (BlueletterBibles.org)

In the first verses of this beautiful chapter, the psalmist exalts God’s Faithfulness for he has witnessed it –like we have- throughout the days of his life:

“I will sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord forever;
With my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation.
For I have said, “Goodness and lovingkindness will be built up forever;
In the heavens [unchangeable and majestic] You will establish Your faithfulness.”

As usual I have to share C.H. Spurgeon’s comments on these verses, for he fully expresses what my heart feels:

God's faithfulness is the mercy of his mercy. It is the center-point of his goodness that his goodness endureth for ever. We are not only to sing; we are to teach. The Psalmist says, «With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.» In telling his own experience, narrating what he had observed, as well as what he had proved of God's faithfulness to his promise and his covenant, he would do this so that following generations should know about it. We are the schoolmasters of the ages to come; I mean, saints who have experienced the mercy and the faithfulness of God. We ought to make known Jehovah's faithfulness to all generations that are yet to come.”

Yes, we cannot keep His Amazing Grace and Favor over our lives to us! The world needs to know and it is our responsibility to start with our family!

When I first surrendered my life to Jesus and began going to Church and studying His word at the home of my friend who had prayed for me and had witnessed to me, I was amazed how I did “thirst and hunger” for more of Him. Her mother was the one teaching us these Bible classes, and I knew that if I did get married and have my own children this would me my highest purpose in life: that all my generations would know and witness in their lives of His lovingkindness and Saving Grace.

In these next verses the psalmist sings of God’s covenant with king David (2 Samuel 7:12-17) and his generations:


[God has said] “I have made a covenant with My chosen one; I have sworn to David My servant, I will establish your seed forever and I will build up your throne for all generations.” (89:3-4)

The Lord said He would establish David's seed and throne forever, and God's Firstborn would be made higher than the kings of the earth, as foretold in 2 Samuel 7:16

16 Your house (royal dynasty) and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever.”

As Paul mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:20, in Jesus we see the fulfillment of this covenant: “For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.


This also was revealed to John in the book of Revelation 1:5-6:

“…Jesus Christ, the [g]faithful and trustworthy Witness, the [h]Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who [always] loves us and who [has once for all] [i]freed us [or washed us] from our sins by His own blood (His sacrificial death)— and formed us into a kingdom [as His subjects], [j]priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion forever and ever. Amen”


We are so privileged to be part of this Covenant of Grace which has reached us through our faith in Jesus Christ, and we have become:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10) 


What an amazing God we have! We have been in His Heart and plans before we were even born! Something so great for our minds to phantom! 

Aren’t these Promises of His enduring Love and Faithfulness be more than enough to keep us firm in our faith even in the midst of our trials?   


Thank you Abba Father, for such amazing love and faithfulness you have lavished over us through Jesus´ Sacrifice! We want to humbly bow and praise You! “Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds You [as an intrinsic, unchangeable part of Your very being].” (89:8) “You have a strong arm; Mighty is Your hand, Your right hand is exalted.14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You.15 Blessed and happy are the people who know the joyful sound [of the trumpet’s blast]!They walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance! 16 In Your name they rejoice all the day, And in Your righteousness they are exalted. 17 For You are the glory of their strength [their proud adornment], And by Your favor our horn is exalted. 18 For our shield belongs to the Lord, And our king to the Holy One of Israel.” (89:13-18) “Blessed be the Lord forevermore! Amen and Amen.” (89:52)


Blessings,

Mari

Here is a song of praise on today's study: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muEqwtYjdB0